When it comes to measure how sustainable a city, either green building or low carbon building should be taken into account? This is the question asked for assessing the performance of a green city. Some might said that green city is referring to everything related to environmental friendly initiatives. For example, planting more trees, using public transportation more often, eat healthier, consume lesser and etc. However, the question always ask is how to quantify these good gestures and related them to the performance of a city in relation to the climate change and global warming effect. We know that these effects are caused by carbon and green house gases emission and in order to reduce the emission, various green measures are required. If we have known the carbon foot print and factor, then logically every initiatives should be measurable and related to carbon saving.
In Malaysia, green building index promoted by the architecture and engineering fraternity has been accepted as a way towards sustainability and greening the city. It is a checklist based assessment index. Project proponent can score higher points and certified with higher accreditation even though if the projects have not done enough in reducing the carbon emission. The index does not measure carbon emission in quantity. Hence, to related it specifically to carbon emission reduction is rather difficult.
With that in mind, achieving low carbon city status with quantified data on carbon factor is more logical choice for a green city. Hence, for formulating a strategic framework and actions towards a green and low carbon city, perhaps MBPJ should put up a matrix of calculating carbon emission and saving for every programme or action.
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